Final call: Experience Sharjah Biennial 16 before it ends
Art lovers, this is your final call — Sharjah Biennial 16 (SB16), the region's biggest and most talked-about contemporary art event, wraps up on June 15, 2025. Titled to carry , the Biennial spans the entire Emirate of Sharjah, from city landmarks to coastal and desert towns, inviting you to explore what we carry as individuals and societies — emotionally, culturally, and historically.
With over 650 artworks by nearly 200 global participants, including more than 200 new commissions, this edition is massive in both scale and scope. Five curators – Alia Swastika,Amal Khalaf, Megan Tamati-Quennell, Natasha Ginwala and Zeynep Öz – shape a multi-layered narrative that challenges and expands traditional perspectives on contemporary art, identity, and community. Explore over 650 works across the Emirate
Make sure to plan your route as SB16 stretches across multiple venues in Sharjah City, Al Hamriyah, Kalba, Al Dhaid, and beyond. Each site offers a unique curatorial voice, making this Biennial a journey of perspectives as much as places. Finally, let the theme guide you . This year's title — to carry —asks you to reflect: what do you carry in life, culture, memory, or identity? The answer may look different at every venue. Join a free guided tour and discover hidden layers
Make the most of your visit by booking a free individual or group tour. These insightful walks not only deepen your understanding of the artworks but also connect you with Sharjah's rich heritage and architectural gems. Make sure to book your spot using the online form here to schedule your tour.
And don't miss Sunday specials. Every Sunday at 2pm, hop on one of the free shuttle buses from Al Mureijah Square. Choose between Bus 1 to Al Hamriyah & Kalba or Bus 2 to the Central Region—no reservations needed, just show up. Play Michael Parekōwhai's carved Steinway Grand Piano
Pianists, take note – this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform on a carved Steinway grand piano that doubles as a sculpture. Created by Michael Parekōwhai, this Māori-influenced artwork titled He Kōrero Pūrākau mo Te Awanui o Te Motu: Story of a New Zealand river awaits your touch. Book a 30-minute slot through the website to perform on this exquisite piece in Gallery 3, Al Mureijah Square, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, or Sundays, until Sunday, June 15. Stream artist conversations on the go with Biennial Bytes 2
Take the Biennial with you by listening to Biennial Bytes 2, the official SB16 podcast series. Perfect for car rides, coffee breaks, or post-visit reflections. New episodes drop every Monday featuring SB16 artists and curators. You can find it on your favorite platform: Apple, Spotify, Anghami, Google Podcasts – or head to sharjahart.org to catch up. Before you go: visit tips and essentials Check out the full programme and plan your experience on the SB16 Visit Page.
Venues are open daily, and many installations are located in heritage buildings and public courtyards – wear comfy shoes, bring water, and stay curious.
The best part is that entry to all exhibitions, tours, performances, and activations is totally free of charge. Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or a curious explorer, SB16 is your chance to dive deep into stories that transcend borders. But hurry — it all ends June 15.
Sharjah Biennial 16, multiple venues across the Emirate of Sharjah, until June 15, free, Sat to Thu, 9am to 9pm, Fri, 4pm to 9pm, sharjahart.org
Image caption: From left to right: Cassi Namoda,Kala vanga heti, 2024. From 'Carapau in the deep abyss', 2024.Commissioned by Sharjah Art Foundation. Courtesy of the artist and Xavier Hufkens, Brussels; Alia Farid,Chibayish(still), 2023. Commissioned by The Vega Foundation and Doha Film Institute. Image courtesyof the artist; Michael Parekōwhai,He Kōrero Pūrākau mo te Awanui o Te Motu: Story of a New Zealandriver, 2011. Collection Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa;Güneş Terkol, Gori Leso Leso, 2024. Image courtesy of the artist; Akira Ikezoe,Bears on the Diagram of Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant,2021/2024, Commissioned by Sharjah Art Foundation. Courtesy of the artist.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Emirates Woman
20 hours ago
- Emirates Woman
12 editor-approved podcasts to tune into this weekend
For some much-needed escapism, podcasts are an ideal way to unwind. With an ocean of stories, interviews, in-depth discussions and trusted voices, they've become an interesting source of information that caters to a wide variety of audiences. From honest fashion reviews to female empowerment discussions, the topics are endless in each of these podcasts and can get you addicted in no time. To listen, you simply access the podcast through any of the streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and other smaller platforms, making it a click away. The History of Podcasts The concept of downloadable audio content began as early as the 1980s with audio blogging and internet radio. In the 1990s, the MP3 format revolutionized digital audio, enabling easier storage and sharing of sound files. At this time, some early experiments in digital audio distribution appeared, but they lacked the infrastructure we associate with podcasts today. The Evolution Podcasts have become a truly global phenomenon, with creators and audiences emerging from all over the world. More podcasts are available in multiple languages and cater to various regional cultures and interests. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated the popularity of podcasts, as people spent more time at home and sought new forms of entertainment and learning. So whether a morning commute or a long-haul flight, you're sure to be entertained with vital information through any of these information-fuelled podcasts. Overall, podcasts are a fantastic way to learn, be entertained, or just dive into topics you're passionate about. Whether you're into true crime, comedy, history, science, or even niche interests like knitting or board games, there's probably a podcast out there for you. Fashion, being a visual medium with a relatively niche audience, may not appear to be the most conducive subject matter for a podcast. But in an era of intuitive podcasts, where there seems to be a show for everything, style has no shortage of audio content. From Dior Talks to The goop Podcast hosted by Gwyneth Paltrow, there's no dearth of information around us with a click of a button to listen, learn and educate ourselves during any long-haul flight or even our daily commute. With the proliferation of podcasts, finding one to effortlessly incorporate into your daily routine can be quite the task and hence, Emirates Woman is here to help. The Diary of a CEO – Listen here The Diary Of A CEO' podcast was launched with the simple mission of providing an unfiltered journey into the remarkable stories and untold dimensions of the world's most influential people, experts and thinkers. The Pop Fashion Podcast – Listen here On the Pop Fashion Podcast, former vintage store owner Lisa Rowan and fashion stylist Kaarin Vember discuss everything from fashion news to pop culture, and the duo answer questions about business and creativity along the way. Recent shows covered New York Fashion Week, H&M's sweatshirt snafu, and Pantone's 2018 Color of the Year. The BoF Podcast – Listen here The Business of Fashion gained a global following as an indispensable daily digital resource for fashion creatives, executives, and entrepreneurs around the world. Their BoF Podcast covers all aspects of the industry, from going inside the Hearst Media empire to life lessons from serial entrepreneurs like Marcia Kilgore. The Game Changers by Net-A-Porter – Listen here NET-A-PORTER MIDDLE EAST's CEO, Nisreen Shocair, hosts intimate conversations with barrier braking individuals spanning across the media, creative and entertainment industry to speak topics such juggling motherhood, inclusivity in the region and various life lessons in a podcast powered by Anghami. The goop Podcast – Listen here To shift from an old paradigm of thinking, CEO and founder Gwyneth Paltrow has an open conversation with changemakers who are shifting from the conventional norm. Dior Talks – Listen here With a focus of women, who've inspired the house's Creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, listeners understand how these empowered figures have overcome challenges in their lives and what their hopes for the future are. Fashion No Filter – Listen here Fashion journalists Camille Charriere and Monica Ainley give you a unique, behind the scenes look at how the fashion industry operates, to delve into this sartorial space, where several questions remained unanswered. Ten Percent Happier – Listen here A skeptical journalist, Dan Harris talks with notable personalities such as scientists, meditation teachers and celebrities on their journey to happiness and how this feeling is a skill you can train over time. Wardrobe Crisis – Listen here A sustainability editor, Clare Press interview various international guests about the unending ethical issues in the fashion industry. Their personal stories and useful tips, bring light to where the clothes we wear are manufactured from. Breaking Beauty – Listen here The longtime beauty editors give listeners a unique insight into all things skincare and makeup. From a fuss-free skincare routine to new launches, in discussions with experts help to understand the insider's favourites. Deliciously Ella – Listen here One of the most well-known entrepreneurs in the wellness space, Ella Mills, shares her tips on dealing with issues pertaining to gut health, mental health and anxiety. For an honest conversation on how to make small changes, tune in. Design Matters – Listen here Design Matters is one of the most popular design podcasts around. Host Debbie Millman's describes it as 'an inquiry into the broader world of creative culture through wide-ranging conversations with designers, writers, artists, curators, musicians, and other luminaries of contemporary thought.' – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @tialineker
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Fortnite developer claims win against Apple and Google
Both Apple and Google kicked Fortnite off their respective app platforms in 2020, after the game designed an in-app payments system that cut the tech giants out of the loop. Developer Epic Games retaliated by launching legal action against the tech giants in a string of courtrooms around the world. Australia's Federal Court this week found the tech firms' app-store dominance reduced competition, likely forcing game developers to pay higher commission fees. "This is a WIN for developers and consumers in Australia!" Epic Games said in a statement Tuesday. Justice Jonathan Beach however rejected Epic Games' claims that Apple and Google engaged in unconscionable conduct. A Google spokesperson said the company disagreed with some of the court's findings and would "review the full decision when we receive it and assess our next steps". Australian lawyers have lodged a class action suit seeking compensation from Apple and Google on behalf of game users and developers. "The judgement is a turning point," said Kimi Nishimura from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. "It sends a clear message that even the most powerful corporations must play by the rules and respect the rights of consumers and developers alike." Fortnite is one of the most popular video games in the world, laying claim to hundreds of millions of registered players.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
08-08-2025
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
A walking club just opened in Abu Dhabi that's totally free (and comes with discounts)
Who said fitness had to be sweaty, stressful or outside? Let's be honest: not all of us are 6am sprint warriors pounding the pavement to chase a personal best. Some prefer exercise with air-con, a latte afterwards and zero risk of sunstroke. If that sounds like your vibe, Yas Mall's new walking club is about to become your new favourite morning ritual. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 9am, Yas Mall is inviting early birds (and chill movers) to stroll through its polished, air-conditioned corridors – before the crowds arrive. You'll start at the Fashion Entrance, then cruise past closed shopfronts with all the calm confidence of someone in an Apple ad. The Walking Club is free, open to all fitness levels and refreshingly low-pressure. Whether you're clocking steps for your heart, your head, or just to justify a pastry later, you'll be in good company. Think of it as wellness without the gym intimidation or Lycra panic. And because this is Yas Mall, you're not leaving empty-handed. Walking club members also get access to exclusive deals and perks, including: 25 percent off at Lululemon and The Giving Movement Free samples from Good Health Nutrition 10 percent off at L'ETO plus complimentary infused water (first come, first served) Avobar salad and drink combos starting at Dhs75 20 percent off at Vapiano (Monday to Thursday) Honestly, even if you're just in it for the infused water and vibes, we respect it. More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
